1
: something that is swollen
specifically
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
2
: the condition of being swollen
Examples of swelling in a Sentence
There was a swelling above her eye.
The swelling around her eye should subside in a few days.
Recent Examples on the Web
Stash a pair in your carry-on to help prevent swelling and that heavy-leg feeling while flying.
—
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2025
However, once her swelling went down, the shape of her earlobes bounced back to normal.
—Hedy Phillips, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
This swelling can also block your airways and cause choking.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 22 Apr. 2025
The agency adds that the sting site should be washed with soap and water, and ice can be applied to reduce the swelling.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
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Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2025
However, once her swelling went down, the shape of her earlobes bounced back to normal.
—Hedy Phillips, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
This swelling can also block your airways and cause choking.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 22 Apr. 2025
The agency adds that the sting site should be washed with soap and water, and ice can be applied to reduce the swelling.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swelling. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
swelling
noun
swell·ing
ˈswel-iŋ- 
: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
an inflammatory swelling
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